Fasting Instructions

You should continue to eat and drink normally until the times written in the fasting instructions.

If you have been prescribed a laxative drink to clean out your bowels before your surgery, then you will need to follow your separate instructions.

If you are admitted the day prior to your surgery, the ward staff will advise you of your fasting instructions.

If you are having surgery in themorning

Eat normally up untilmidnightthe night before your surgery

DO NOTeat anything after this, including no chewing gum

You can drink water (and Preloads) until05:30the morning of your surgery

If you are having surgery in theafternoon*

You can have a light breakfast of tea and toast before06:00the day of your surgery

DO NOTeat anything after this, including no chewing gum

You can drink water (and Preloads) until10:00the morning of your surgery

*If the timing of your surgery has not been specified, please follow the instructions for morning surgery.

Preload Instructions

Preload is a carbohydrate loading drink. It provides the body with energy during the period of starvation. Research shows that the drinks can prevent a rise in blood sugar levels, minimise protein loss, reduce hospital stay and improve patient comfort.

You will not be given Preload drinks if you are a diabetic

Preparation guidelines

Pour 400ml of water into a cup.

Add the sachet of preload and stir continuously until the powder has dissolved.

When do you need to take them?

If you are having your surgery in themorning

The evening prior to your surgery, drink one sachet of Preload with your evening meal and the second sachet at bedtime.

The morning of surgery, drink the third sachet of Preload before 05:30 am

If you are having your surgery in theafternoon*

The evening prior to your surgery, drink one sachet of Preload at bedtime.

The morning of surgery, drink the second sachet of Preload before 07:00 am and the third sachet before 10:00 am

*If the timing of your surgery has not been specified, please follow the instructions for morning surgery.